The code detailed below has been adopted from the Association of Executive Search consultants of the United States. It defines how Executive Search companies should relate to their clients, candidates and the public.

1. Professionalism
Executive search consulting is a professional endeavor. A profession is characterized by the objectivity, integrity and thoroughness of its practitioners. Executive Search companies will maintain the highest standards of professional work and behavior so that their actions reflect favorably on the industry, its members, their clients, and candidates. In this endeavor, companies will serve their clients in a professional manner, including the performance of at least the following services before proposing any candidates.
• Meetings with the client to develop understanding of the client's organization and needs and the position to be filled.
• Written documentation outlining the position description, scope and character of the services to be provided;
• Thorough independent research on the nature and needs of the client organization;
• Comprehensive search for qualified candidates;
• Thorough evaluation of potential candidates, including in-depth personal interviews, verification of credentials, and careful assessment of the individual's strengths and weaknesses, in order to provide an adequate basis for independent and expert recommendations to the client, and
• Either before or after the presentation of candidates, or before the final selection by the client, performance of comprehensive reference checking. Any practices that do not comply with the above process may not be objective and are adverse to the client's best interest. Such practices may undermine independent judgment, tend to bring disrepute to the profession, and are in violation of this code. 
 
2. Qualifications
Executive Search companies will accept only those assignments that they are qualified to undertake on the basis of full knowledge of the client situation and the professional involved. Assignments accepted will be based on a comprehensive written document outlining the scope and scope of the services to be provided.

3.  Confidentiality
 Executive search companies shall regard all information concerning the clients and the candidates as totally confidential.

4. Promotion of Activities
Executive Search companies will conduct all firm promotion, public relations and new business activities in a manner that involves no representations, expressed or implied, that are false, deceptive, or misleading.

5. Promotion of Competition
 Industry members shall promote free and fair competition in the provision of executive search consulting services.